Purpose: Pedestrian
injuries in children lead to frequent visits to emergency rooms. Our objective was to examine the behaviorsof children struck by motor vehicles so
as to better target injury prevention strategies.

Methods: We
collected data prospectively on all pedestrians struck by motor vehicles who presented
to our Level 1 Trauma Center in New York City from 2008 to 2011. Data was
stratified by age and behavioral variables. Verbal consent was obtained from guardians and IRB approval
was granted.

Results: Of 1075
patients, 145(13%) were under 18 years of age. As compared with adults,
children were more likely male (65% vs. 53%), more
likely had minor injuries (82% vs. 73% for ISS<9), and were more likely to
be discharged without admission (70% vs. 67%). Midblock crossings and darting into the street were common in
all children often despite supervision (Table) Electronic device use among
teenagers was twice that of adults.

Age 0-6 (n=39)

Age 7-12 (n=49)

Age 13-17 (n=57)

Age>17

(n=930)

Mid-block

14 (36%)

23 (47%)

18 (32%)

171 (18%)

Darting into street

17 (44%)

12 (25%)

8 (14%)

--

Unsupervised

0

26 (53%)

50 (88%)

--

Alcohol use

0

1 (2%)

2 (4%)

138 (15%)

Electronic Device use

0

1 (2%)

11 (18%)

81 (9%)

Conclusion: Improving
guardian supervision, educating children on safe crossing behaviors, and
minimizing common distractors must be components of
any comprehensive pediatric injury prevention program.